COVID cases on rise; vaccines are available

The Randolph County Health Department is reporting 61 active cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, Dec. 6, with two people hospitalized from the virus. Of the active cases, 32 are new cases.

According to the CDC COVID data tracker, community transmission is high in Randolph County, which has a seven-day positivity rate of 3.78%.

Only 54.8% of Randolph County residents age 12 and up are fully vaccinated.

The health department continues to host free clinics to administer the first, second, third and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Call (618) 826-5007 to make an appointment. Clinics are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (unless stated otherwise) on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Dec. 8, Pfizer pediatric vaccine for ages 5-11, 2-4 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 9, Pfizer (adult)

• Thursday, Dec. 16, Pfizer, Moderna and J&J - adult, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 22, Pfizer adult 9-10 a.m., Pfizer pediatric 2-4 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 23 - Pfizer, Moderna and J&J - Adult, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The following community vaccine clinics also are being held around Randolph County:

• Coulterville Public Library, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 103 S. Fourth St., Coulterville; Pfizer, Moderna, J&J.

• Peace Lutheran Church: 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 303 N. Mulberry St., Steeleville; Pfizer.

• Coulterville District 1, 2-6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, 101 W. Grant St., Coulterville; Pfizer and Pfizer pediatric.

• K River Community Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Dec. 20 and Jan. 10, 310 W. Elm St., Baldwin; Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and Pfizer pediatric.

COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses also are available at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and Kroger pharmacies.